§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he has given consideration to the position of the Irish language in Northern Ireland; and if he will consider 214W whether, in respect of the numbers using, learning or acquainted with that language, legislation similar to the Welsh Language Act 1967 should be brought forward.
§ Mr. HurdThe Government wish to provide adequate support to those who seek to use Irish and preserve their cultural heritage — and already do so through the education system—but are not persuaded that the legal status suggested would be an appropriate reflection of the position of Irish in Northern Ireland.
§ Mr. Humeasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what consideration he has given to applying in Northern Ireland the principles set out in the resolutions and reports adopted by the European Parliament on the rights of people respecting minority languages and cultures; and if he will make a statement.